Hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar or insulin shock) occurs when blood sugar
level drops too low. If a person with diabetes takes too
much insulin, exercises too much or eats too little
food, hypoglycemia can develop. It can happen at any
time, and with surprising suddenness. If not treated
promptly, it can result in a loss of consciousness.

Symptoms:

Irritability

Pale, moist
skin

Sweating

Dizziness

Rapid pulse

Extreme
hunger

Shallow
breathing

Weakness

Faintness

Inability to
concentrate

Blurred
vision

Loss of
coordination and mental confusion

Headache

Fatigue

If you or your
loved one experience any of these symptoms, you should
immediately stop what you're doing and treat the
condition fast.

Treatment:

Step 1:
Your Body Needs sugar-And Fast

Any fast-acting
sugar will remedy the situation, juice, glucose tables,
candy, even honey or syrup. Once you've taken some
sugar, you should rest for five or ten minutes to let
your body absorb the sugar. If you don't feel better by
then, repeat the treatment.

Important: If you
still don't recover after this, call your physician
immediately.

Step 2:
After an Insulin Reaction

When the
symptoms have subsided, it is essential to eat some more
slowly digested food to prevent the high insulin level
in the blood from causing another reaction. Milk, a
peanut butter or meat sandwich, perhaps a piece of bread
or fruit should be taken.

This information
was provided by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
International for more information call 1 800 JDF CURE